Wednesday, May 12, 2021. 11:03
Defending Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Dallas Cowboys on September 9 at Raymond James Stadium to kick off the NFL season.
The Buccaneers will make the first game of a NFL season for the first time in their history. This practice has existed since 2002.
Since 2004, 16 champion teams have taken part in the first game of a NFL season, posting a 13-3 record.
Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Cowboys Dak Prescott will face off for the second time in their careers. Brady won the first duel in 2019 (13-9), while still wearing the New England Patriots uniform.
The NFL will reveal the full schedule for its 32 teams tonight at 8 p.m. ET. The clubs will play 17 matches, a first in the history of the circuit. So far, the NFL has only revealed the first week of its schedule:
Thursday September 9
Cowboys c. Buccaneers
Sunday September 12
Vikings c. Bengals
49ers c. Lions
Eagles c. Falcons
Jaguars c. Texans
Steelers c. Bills
Jets c. Panthers
Cardinals c. Titans
Chargers c. Washington
Seahawks c. Colts
Browns c. Chiefs
Dolphins c. Patriots
Broncos c. Giants
Packers c. Saints
Bears c. Rams
Monday, September 13
Ravens c. Raiders
Two matches in London
In addition, the NFL has announced its return to London, where it will host two games in 2021. The Atlanta Falcons will face the New York Jets on October 10, while the Jacksonville Jaguars meet with the Dolphins there. from Miami on October 17.
Both matches will take place at the Tottenham Hotspor Stadium.
The NFL did not host games outside the United States last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It originally planned four games in London and one in Mexico City.
